Four! Er, five… better make that six

Being the golf caddy to a rugby union coach known as Knuckles can be a hazardous profession, especially when that coach admits his handicap is his lack of golf talent.

“I wouldn’t call what I do golf; but I like walking around the course for exercise,” said former Wallabies head coach John Connolly.

While John’s sporting enthusiasm overrides his golf handicap, Senior Aircrew Officer Jerm Cutelli has been relieved of his ball boy duties for safety reasons.

Instead, John will have an extra bucket of golf balls when he tees off with more committed players at the annual AGL Action Rescue Helicopter golf day this Friday. While registered teams will play 18 holes at the Peregian Springs Golf Course, John will stay at one Par 3 hole during the day as part of the Beat John Connolly Challenge.

“It won’t take much to beat me,” he admits. “I hope I’ve got less than 150m to hit the ball and I’d prefer the green to be bouncy all the way.”

Former ball boy Jerm will now compete on the day with his Rescue Helicopter Service colleagues.

More than 20 teams have registered for the golf day to help raise funds for the Rescue Helicopter Service. Each player will have a shot on the Par 3 course against John Connolly, with the ball closest to the pin declared the winner. Insiders predict John may win one in 50 shots.

John’s 20-year coaching career has included stints with the Queensland Reds, Stade Francois, Swansea RFC, Bath Rugby and Australia’s Wallabies team. And although the odds are stacked against “Knuckles”, he promises he won’t take out his frustrations with his golf club.

Coolum Police will be on patrol, just in case, and will also have a speed gun focused on the fastest ball on the course. Other activities include a lost balls competition, Lob for Loot from the club house deck, raffles, auction and a Wooden Spoon booby prize.

“The AGL Action Rescue Helicopter is an important service to the community and I encourage everyone to support it,” said John. “You don’t realise its importance until you need it.”

Photo: AGL Action Rescue Helicopter crew face challenges every day in their line of duty, none as daunting as Senior Aircrew Officer Jerm Cutelli acting as ball boy for John Connolly.